Two rival powerhouse teams vying to overhaul the 52-acre Miami Beach Convention Center district made their final day-long presentations before the city commission and the public Tuesday.
Tishman Hotels and Realty and Portman-CMC are battling for a chance to renovate the center, and both teams would split the cost of the mega-project between public and private funds.
Portman-CMC's vision includes a large public square that will link the convention center with surrounding businesses and residences and extend to Lincoln Road. It would be a mix of green spaces, and retail and cultural centers.
Miami Beach Residents Offer Visions for Convention Center Property
The Jackie Gleason Theater is being renovated as part of the plan and a hotel and re-designed parking lots would be added.
The ultimate goal is to accommodate Miami Beach residents, businesses and tourists year-round, said Portman Holdings Vice Chairman Jack Portman.
Tishman Hotels and Realty was expected to make its presentation Tuesday afternoon. Their plan is expected to include a hotel on top of an expanded convention center and includes several plazas and other open spaces, as well as a renovated Jackie Gleason Theater.
The public will have an opportunity to ask questions and make comments after each team delivers its presentation. The Miami Beach Commission will select a winner in June to move the project further.
